Congenital omphalocele and polyhydramnios: a study of 52 cases.

INTRODUCTION

Unlike gastroschisis, congenital omphalocele is often associated with other anomalies and is frequently complicated by polyhydramnios. We examined the relationships between polyhydramnios, pregnancy outcome and fetal prognosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinical data from cases diagnosed antenatally with congenital omphalocele from 1993 to 2006 were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Fifty-two cases were diagnosed antenatally with congenital omphalocele, and 38 of these pregnancies resulted in delivered infants. Of these 38 pregnancies, 55.3% were preterm births before 37 weeks of gestation. The mean birth weight was 2,148 g (n = 38). Associated anomalies were recognized in 29 cases (76.3%), including 13 cases (34.2%) of chromosomal aberrations. There were 2 cases of trisomy 13, 10 cases of trisomy 18 and 1 case of trisomy 21. Polyhydramnios was detected in 14 cases (36.8%), and other anomalies were present in all of these cases.

DISCUSSION

For antenatal evaluation in cases of congenital omphalocele, it is important to examine the fetus for associated anomalies or underlying disease, especially when polyhydramnios is detected.